ISTANBUL — Türkiye aims to raise its combined goods and services exports to $500 billion by 2030, according to Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), who outlined the country’s long-term export strategy during an interview on Anadolu Agency’s AA Finance Desk.
Gültepe said Türkiye’s total exports over the past 12 months have reached $278 billion, but stressed that the current annual growth rate of 3–5% is insufficient to achieve the country’s long-term ambitions. He said sustaining double-digit export growth will be essential if Türkiye is to become one of the world’s top 10 exporting nations by the end of the decade.
He emphasized that improving international competitiveness remains the sector’s biggest challenge, arguing that financial support alone will not be enough unless structural issues affecting exporters are addressed. Rising labor costs have put pressure on labor-intensive industries, making it increasingly difficult for Turkish manufacturers to compete in global markets.
Welcoming the Central Bank’s decision to increase the limit for rediscount export loans, Gültepe said exporters would benefit from broader access to lower-cost financing. However, he reiterated that enhancing competitiveness should remain the government’s top priority alongside financial support measures.
Gültepe also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, urging Türkiye to become not only a user of these technologies but also a developer of software and high-value digital solutions. He said the success achieved in the defense industry could be replicated in AI and software through long-term investment in innovation and high-tech manufacturing.
Looking ahead, TİM plans to launch an “Export Week” initiative that will bring international buyers to Istanbul to showcase Türkiye’s manufacturing capabilities and strengthen trade relationships. Gültepe added that although many exporters continue to struggle with cost pressures and fewer companies are entering export markets, he expects monthly double-digit export growth across all sectors beginning in 2027.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök